Benefits of Game-Based Learning

Have you considered game-based learning for your teaching portfolio?

Game-based learning is a new teaching technique made possible by the constant technological progress. As it climbs in popularity, it’s worth looking at how it impacts students. I watch social media closely and it’s my job to share some of the hot topics on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and other outlets that teachers, principals, students, and parents are contributing.

Game-based learning is exactly what it sounds like–students acquiring knowledge through playing games. Thanks to the influx of technology in the classroom, many people and companies have designed games with education in mind. While a game’s traditional goal, to entertain, is still there, they also make sure the game teaches the player about something. Some are basic like having to type quickly and accurately in order to move a race car through a course in time. Others are more elaborate, like solving a crime using forensics and other sciences through a virtual lab.

In addition to just being plain fun (or at least more fun than most traditional means), game-based learning also benefits students, especially students that don’t thrive on traditional learning techniques. EdSurge recently posted a graphic outlining some of the ways game based learning benefits students. The graphic states that game-based learning helps students connect what they’re learning to real life situations, allows for more collaboration and competition than other teaching techniques, helps motivate students, and improves growth mindset. You can read more about that here.

Not all teachers love game-based learning. Where do you stand? Have you ever used games in the classroom? Why and how? Do you foresee more or fewer games in the classroom in the future?

Tori Pakizer is the Social Media Editor at SimpleK12.com. She writes regularly about the use of educational technology in K-12 classrooms, and specializes in how teachers use Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and other social media. You can follow Tori and SimpleK12 on Twitter @SimpleK12. If you have ideas for using social media in schools, please send your information or tip to editor@simplek12.com.

I’m teaching a self-contained 7th grade history class this year and as we’re moving into Westward Expansion, I’m planning to use a modified version of the Oregon Trail game with my kids to get them invested in the journey our earliest homesteaders took and to consider the impact on Native Americans. Other thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!
Anita

I just used a fast paced game called “Fruit Shoot” by Sheppard Software to teach and review the difference between prime and composite numbers. One student taps the prime numbers that pop up and the other taps the composite numbers. Students can adjust the level of the game to their needs. Timed, untimed, or increase the range of numbers they will encounter. Their peers can support their efforts by calling out the numbers they see pop up. I introduce games as a whole group and then students can add them to their learning menu for independent practice.

I would like some ideas in gameplay for high school math. Algebra 2. Some of the concepts are hard and it is difficult to encourage students to be focused in lesson for a long period of time. All my students have iPads and it will be great if I can incorporate this technique in the classroom

I teach 3rd grade math and science. While teaching about plants and organisms I found a game that my students could not get enough of. It’s called “Are you smarter than a plant”. This game provided first hand experience for many students to interact with the science being taught. In order to win they had to figure out and understand so much, too much to write at this time. But I wanted to quick share and say how engaging learning can be with the right tools.